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Teen shot in AustinSun-Times Wireon May 17, 2021 at 3:13 am

A man was fatally shot Oct. 25, 2020, in the 1900 block of South St. Louis Avenue.
A 17-year-old boy was shot Sunday, May 16, 2021, in the 700 block of North Leamington Avenue. | Sun-Times file

About 4:50 p.m., the 17-year-old was in the 700 block of North Leamington Avenue, when he was approached by a man who fired shots.

A teen boy was shot Sunday in Austin on the West Side.

About 4:50 p.m., the 17-year-old was in the 700 block of North Leamington Avenue, when he was approached by a man who fired shots, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the chest, leg, and brought to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said.

Area Four detectives are investigating.

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Teen shot in AustinSun-Times Wireon May 17, 2021 at 3:13 am Read More »

1 killed, 1 critically injured in crash on Lake Shore Drive near Douglas: policeon May 17, 2021 at 2:25 am

A person was killed, and another person was critically injured, in a crash Sunday night on Lake Shore Drive near Douglas on the South Side.

About 7:30 p.m., a man was speeding in a vehicle southbound on Lake Shore Drive with another male passenger, when he lost control of the vehicle in the 3500 block of South Lake Shore Drive, and struck a tree, Chicago police said. The force from the crash caused the car to catch fire.

The driver, whose age is unknown, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. His passenger, whose age is also unknown, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not yet identified the man who died.

Lake Shore Drive was shut down from 31st Street to 47th Street for an investigation, police said.

This is a developing story, check back for details.

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1 killed, 1 critically injured in crash on Lake Shore Drive near Douglas: policeon May 17, 2021 at 2:25 am Read More »

Jon Lester, Kyle Schwarber back at Wrigley? Let ’em hear you, Cubs fans — good and loudSteve Greenbergon May 16, 2021 at 10:32 pm

San Francisco Giants v Chicago Cubs
Lester and Schwarber as they used to be. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

This You Gotta See: Cubs get the Nationals and Cardinals, White Sox get the Twins and Yankees, and the NBA and NHL postseasons get rolling.

Here’s a slogan former manager Joe Maddon never thought of that would’ve been perfect for the contending Cubs from 2015 forward:

“Lester is more.”

More than the free agent who stamped the rising Cubs as legit. More than the ever-willing ace who thrived on guts and guile as much as talent. Indeed, even more than the Cubs bargained for when they convinced him to say yes to six years, $155 million and an opportunity to help lead the team where no one had in more than a century.

Over six seasons on the North Side, Jon Lester more than delivered. And now he’s back at Wrigley Field to start Monday’s series opener for the Nationals.

It’ll be good to see him. Left fielder Kyle Schwarber, too. How loudly can 10,000 or so fans cheer, anyway?

The Cubs had no use for Lester in the end, declining a $25 million option for 2021 — the obvious move — and then keeping him on the pay-no-mind list until he signed somewhere else for one year and a song. Like the Cubs, the Nats are muddling along. Lester has pitched well, though he has yet to add to his career win total of 193. Schwarber has hit some, not a lot. Would these Cubs be any better off with them? Probably not to any meaningful extent.

But to many, they will always be Cubs. Lester, for sure, and Schwarber, too. The Big Lefty and the other big lefty. To the fans who will be there Monday: Let ’em hear you — good and loud.

Here’s what’s happening:

MON 17

Nationals at Cubs (6:40 p.m., Marquee)

Other than five All-Star selections, eight Opening Day starts and three World Series rings, what does Lester really have that Adbert Alzolay doesn’t? But we kid the talented young right-hander, who gets a chance to outduel a legend.

Blues at Avalanche, Game 1 (9 p.m., NBCSN)

Remember the old days when the Blackhawks and Blues were rivals? Root for whomever you want as the 2019 champs take on the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avs.

Charlotte Hornets v New York Knicks
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
LaMelo Ball scores for the Hornets.

TUE 18

Hornets at Pacers (5:30 p.m., TNT)

The winner of the Eastern Conference’s 9-vs.-10 play-in game stays alive, while the loser joins the Bulls on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Either way, Hornets owner Michael Jordan will be on the golf course if anyone needs him.

Wizards at Celtics (8 p.m., TNT)

From 17-32 hopelessness to the 7-vs.-8 play-in game? Take a bow, Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal.

WED 19

White Sox at Twins (12:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

Just saying, any time struggling Lucas Giolito wants to get on board with the whole best-rotation-in-baseball thing would be fine by us.

Sky at Dream (6 p.m., The U)

Is it just us or is Candace Parker blocking a shot at the rim, racing the other way with the dribble and firing a 60-foot chest pass like a bullet into the hands of a teammate for a layup kind of cool?

Tampa Bay Lightning v Florida Panthers
Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images
Quenneville has the Panthers in position to make a run.

THU 20

“Class is in Session with Doug Glanville” (5 p.m., NBCSCH)

With a Cubs-Nats game earlier in the day, start time is approximate. And speaking of ballpark figures, this episode features Bill James — analytics’ original nerd — as a guest.

Panthers at Lightning, Game 3 (5:30 p.m., USA)

Remember the old days when the Hawks and Joel Quenneville were best pals? Here’s your best first-round matchup, people.

NBA East elimination game (7 p.m., TNT)

To the winner goes a best-of-seven date with the top-seeded 76ers. Frankly, it doesn’t sound all that terrifying.

FRI 21

White Sox at Yankees (6:05 p.m., NBCSCH)

One hopes Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle and the rest of the gang in Monument Park won’t hurt themselves straining their necks to get a glimpse of Yermin Mercedes.

Cubs at Cardinals (7:15 p.m., Marquee)

At long last, the season debut of this wonderful rivalry arrives. Would’ve been nice to bump into Albert Pujols, though.

NBA West elimination game (TBD, ESPN)

If there is a basketball God, the Warriors will be part of this deal so Steph Curry can shoot threes like his very postseason life depends on it.

SAT 22

White Sox at Yankees (12:05 p.m., NBCSCH)

Just an idle thought, but, hey, any chance this is a postseason preview? Sox-Yanks would be off-the-charts fun.

Penguins at Islanders, Game 4 (2 p.m., Ch. 5)

Pens trio Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang have been together so long, they make Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith look like the latest boy band.

Inter Miami at Fire (5 p.m., UniMas)

Did you know the same design firm created both team’s logos? Let’s just say one project was more successful than the other.

Gotham FC at Red Stars (7 p.m., Paramount+)

The visitors’ Sky Blue days might be behind them, but they can still hope for blue skies over SeatGeek Stadium.

SUN 23

PGA Championship final round (noon, Ch. 2)

Rory McIlroy ran away by eight strokes the last time this tournament was played on the Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C. Nine years later — and despite his zero major titles since 2014 — he’s the betting favorite at 10/1 to finish atop the field again.

Cubs at Cardinals (6:08 p.m., ESPN)

What’s the only thing that can top a Cubs-Cards game? A Cubs-Cards game with Alex Rodguez on the mic. But seriously, folks.

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Jon Lester, Kyle Schwarber back at Wrigley? Let ’em hear you, Cubs fans — good and loudSteve Greenbergon May 16, 2021 at 10:32 pm Read More »

Amid intensifying violence in Middle East, thousands rally downtown in support of Palestinians: ‘The death, the destruction must end’Tom Schubaon May 16, 2021 at 10:39 pm

Supporters hold up flags and posters during a rally and march in support of Palestinians at Congress Plaza Garden in the Loop in response to an ongoing assault between Israelis and Palestinians in the middle east, Sunday, May 16, 2021. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Supporters hold up flags and posters during a rally and march Sunday at Congress Plaza Garden downtown in support of Palestinians in response to escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

“We cannot — indeed we must not — characterize these events within the context of war or religious conflict or who shot the first rocket,” said Tarek Khalil, of American Muslims for Palestine. “This is not only false and misleading, but dangerous and dehumanizing.

On the heels of Israeli airstrikes that killed 42 people in the deadliest single attack in the country’s renewed conflict with Palestine, thousands rallied downtown Sunday to decry what organizers described as an “ethnic cleansing” and to push for Palestinian independence.

Speakers and attendees gathered at the intersection of Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and America’s military aid to the country. Tarek Khalil, an attorney and activist with American Muslims for Palestine, characterized the violence carried out by Israel as an ongoing “crime against humanity.”

“We cannot — indeed we must not — characterize these events within the context of war or religious conflict or who shot the first rocket,” Khalil said to a massive throng of demonstrators. “This is not only false and misleading but dangerous and dehumanizing.

“This is not a war between two armies, but an ethnic cleansing campaign that began in 1948 and continues today,” he added, referencing the year Israel became an independent state.

Supporters hold up flags and posters during a rally and march in support of Palestinians in the Loop in response to an ongoing assault between Israelis and Palestinians in the middle east, Sunday, May 16, 2021.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Supporters hold up flags and posters during a rally and march in the Loop on Sunday in support of Palestinians in response to ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East.

The latest outbreak of violence began in east Jerusalem last month, when Palestinians clashed with police in response to Israeli police tactics during Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers. A focus of the violence was the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a frequent flashpoint located on a hilltop compound revered by both Muslims and Jews.

Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, began firing rockets toward Jerusalem on Monday. That triggered the Israeli assault on Gaza.

At least 188 Palestinians have been killed in the hundreds of airstrikes in Gaza, including 55 children and 33 women, with 1,230 people wounded. Eight people in Israel have been killed in some of the 3,100 rocket attacks launched from Gaza, including a 5-year-old boy and a soldier.

Following the latest attacks, Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia noted the conflict has now “reached a new boiling point” that has given way to “murder and bloodshed with no immediate end in sight.”

“The death, the destruction must end,” the Chicago Democrat told Sunday’s crowd. “We must end the bloodshed and the U.S. must do its part to bring about a ceasefire.”

During his speech, Garcia urged U.S. and world leaders to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “aggression” and called for “equal justice, equal freedom and the right to self-determination for the people of Palestine.”

The demonstrators made their way through the downtown area, shutting down traffic on Michigan Avenue and other streets while remaining peaceful and jovial despite the grim circumstances. Many waved Palestinian flags and wore traditional head coverings, with some dancing atop bus stop shelters and subway entryways as the demonstration went on.

Anees Muatan, 42, of Bridgeview, stood atop his SUV waving a Palestinian sash as the demonstrators returned to the starting point. Muatan, who is of Palestinian descent but was born in America, said he’s “sick of the same” and slammed the Israeli government for carrying out attacks that victimized women and children.


Tom Schuba/Sun-Times
Anees Muatan stands atop his SUV during a downtown protest Sunday in support of Palestine.

“It’s the same thing going on, over and over again. It’s called the holy land for every religion. Why must you guys just take over?” he said of Israel.

The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, the Chicago-based liaison between the residents of the region and the country, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a televised address, Netanyahu said the attacks were continuing at “full force” and would “take time.” Israel “wants to levy a heavy price” on the Hamas militant group, he said.

Contributing: Associated Press

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Amid intensifying violence in Middle East, thousands rally downtown in support of Palestinians: ‘The death, the destruction must end’Tom Schubaon May 16, 2021 at 10:39 pm Read More »

Yoan Moncada confident power will emergeBrian Sandalowon May 16, 2021 at 6:58 pm

Yoan Moncada entered Sunday slugging just .395. | AP Photos

A year removed from a 2020 season that was wrecked due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, Moncada said he’s feeling really good physically.

It’s hard to argue with the .383 on-base percentage third baseman Yoan Moncada carried into Sunday’s game with the Royals. What he and the White Sox are waiting on is the power.

Moncada, who hit 25 homers and slugged .548 in a breakout 2019 season, has just three homers to go with a .395 slugging percentage in 2021. The power, though, is going to come and Moncada won’t force it.

“That’s going to come organically,” he said through a translator. “I don’t think that you can go at every at-bat thinking of hitting a homer, because that’s just going to mess up your approach. I’m going up there trying to hit the ball hard.”

A year removed from a 2020 season that was wrecked due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, Moncada said he’s feeling really good physically.

His desire to win is also clear, which he showed in the eighth inning of Saturday’s 5-1 loss when he dove head-first into first base to try to beat out a ground ball to second. Though the effort highlighted his urge to help the Sox, manager Tony La Russa said the team doesn’t like the dangerous play and he would tell Moncada to try to avoid it in the future.

Moncada agreed it’s not a good idea to dive head-first at first, but mentioned the heat of the moment and the adrenaline running through his body.

Vaccinated
The Sox announced Saturday they have reached the 85% threshold of COVID-19 vaccinations, which allows them to relax certain safety protocols. One of them – not wearing masks in the dugout – was especially embraced by La Russa.

“Not having the mask, it was easier to breathe,” La Russa said. “It felt more normal.”

Hitting the 85% milestone doesn’t mean the Sox can just forget about the pandemic. They’ll still have to be careful and mindful of local regulations wherever they go, but they have taken another step toward returning to normal.

“Knock on wood, we are trending in the right direction, not just baseball, but as a country,” La Russa said.

Grandal watch
Yasmani Grandal caught and batted sixth Sunday for the Sox, who have managed his workload this season due a right knee injury suffered in spring training. La Russa said Grandal will also play Monday and possibly Tuesday as well.

Even with the extra caution, Sunday was Grandal’s 26th start behind the plate, which puts him on pace for 108 assuming he stays healthy.

“Between his preparation and the extra work he does in the training room and the work he gets there, it’s gotten us to this point,” La Russa said. “Knock on wood, we keep him in there.”

Engel update
La Russa said the Sox will be releasing something pretty soon about the next steps for outfielder Adam Engel (strained right hamstring). Engel, La Russa said, is making a lot of progress and “looking more like himself.”

“As far as the physical, getting to 100%, he’s either there or very close,” La Russa said.

Who’s No. 2?
Adam Eaton hit second, and La Russa said that will be the case against most right-handed starters like the Royals’ Brady Singer. Sunday was Eaton’s 19th game hitting the second, the most on the team.

SOX AT TWINS
Monday: Dallas Keuchel (2-1, 4.53) vs. J.A. Happ (2-1, 4.26), 6:40 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM
Tuesday: Lance Lynn (4-1, 1.30) vs. Michael Piñeda (2-2, 2.79), 6:40 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM Wednesday: Lucas Giolito (2-4, 4.97) vs. Matt Shoemaker (2-4, 6.62 ERA), 12:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

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Yoan Moncada confident power will emergeBrian Sandalowon May 16, 2021 at 6:58 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: Top 5 quotes from Justin Fields’ rookie minicampRyan Heckmanon May 16, 2021 at 7:00 pm

This weekend, the Chicago Bears held rookie minicamp for the 2021 NFL Draft class and fellow undrafted rookies. To no one’s surprise, every eye was glued to rookie quarterback Justin Fields. There wasn’t a moment he didn’t absorb center stage. For Bears fans and media, this weekend was big. It was the first time we […]

Chicago Bears: Top 5 quotes from Justin Fields’ rookie minicampDa Windy CityDa Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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Chicago Bears: Top 5 quotes from Justin Fields’ rookie minicampRyan Heckmanon May 16, 2021 at 7:00 pm Read More »

Bears OLB Charles Snowden is not your typical undrafted rookieon May 16, 2021 at 6:17 pm

It’s the perfect time of year to let your imagination run wild about the supposed potential of undrafted free agents — the Bears had 15 for rookie minicamp — and that enthusiasm almost always fizzles by September when only a few make the roster as third-stringers and special teamers.

But outside linebacker Charles Snowden is a different case.

It’s a lingering mystery why he didn’t get picked after 21 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at Virginia. He is 6-foot-6, 243 pounds. Many analysts projected him to be drafted, and some slotted him to go in the third or fourth round.

Snowden’s best guess is teams were scared off by the season-ending ankle injury he suffered in November, which kept him out of Virginia’s pro day. He was not full-go for minicamp, either.

“I’m not sure really what happened,” Snowden said of the draft. “I was upset for a day, but now I’m just facing reality of the situation. I had one scholarship offer coming out of college so I’m used to being the underdog.

“Even if I had gone third or fourth round I’d still be wanting to go out there and prove myself. Obviously that does give you a little chip on your shoulder, but I wouldn’t say it consumes me.”

When the rest of the team arrives, whether it’s for Organized Team Activities or training camp, the 23-year-old will be studying under six-time Pro Bowler Khalil Mack.

Mack is the only certainty for the Bears at outside linebacker. After signing 30-year-old Robert Quinn to a $70 million contract last year, he produced two sacks in 548 snaps. The next-best option after him is journeyman Jeremiah Attaochu, who had five sacks for the Broncos last season.

“You can’t be a football player and not know the name Khalil Mack,” Snowden said. “So I’m excited to learn behind him.”

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Bears OLB Charles Snowden is not your typical undrafted rookieon May 16, 2021 at 6:17 pm Read More »